Enjoying my lunch at work, I reached the last item in my lunchbox: Cream-filled chocolate cupcakes from TastyKake. The ones with white icing drooping off the sides with a chocolate stripe down the center.

Naturally, Penn State's non-conference schedule came to mind. But instead of beating a dead horse criticizing the soft home dates in September (and October) I decided to mix it up a bit and tell ya'll why you should bother showing up for these noon kickoffs.

Here's some of the better talent Akron, Syracuse, Temple, and yes, Eastern Illinois will throw out to bang helmets with the Nittany Lions in the fall.

WR Deryn Bowser, Akron
Penn State's re-tooled secondary won't have to wait long to be tested. Pass-happy Akron has always been known the throw the pigskin around the yard, and Bowser will likely be on the receiving end of most of those this fall. At 6-foot-2, Bowser has size, and he's bringing 64 catches and 785 yards of experience with him from last year.

FS Mike Holmes, Syracuse
Remember when Daryll Clark fumbled on Penn State's opening drive in the Carrier Dome a year ago? That was all Mr. Holmes. He also returns kicks, leading Syracuse with more than 900 yards and more than 23 yards per return in '08, including a TD.

DE Andre Neblett, Temple
Neblett recorded 7.5 sacks and forced two fumbles for the Owls last season. Penn State is busting out three new offensive linemen in '09, including a brand new left tackle having to deal with Neblett.

K Austin Signor, Eastern Illinois
Laugh all you want, but this guy can kick the football, and at 6-foot-4, probably your butt too. Signor ranked third in the country last year with 19 kickoffs going for touchbacks, and he averaged about 67 yards per kickoff. Signor likely will be the team's place kicker as well, and watch out Lion fans, he's a former Iowa Hawkeye.

-Mink